IUCN Report on Mangrove Ecosystems | 30 May 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a new report cautioning that half of the world's mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapsing. This marks the first comprehensive global assessment of mangroves by IUCN.

• The report, titled "Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems," unveiled these findings on International Day for Biodiversity (22^nd May).

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

• About: This study classified the world's mangrove ecosystems in 36 different regions called provinces and assessed the threats and risk of collapse in each region.
• Findings:
  • More than Half of the Worlds Margrove Under Risk:
    • Over 50% of the world's mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse (classified as either vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered), with nearly 1 in 5 facing severe risk.
    • One-third of the world's mangrove ecosystem provinces will be severely affected by sea-level rise, with 25% of the global mangrove area predicted to be submerged in the next 50 years.
  • Higher Risk to South Indian Mangroves:
    • Mangrove ecosystem in South India, shared with Sri Lanka and Maldives, is categorised as "critically endangered".
    • In contrast, mangrove ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal region (shared with Bangladesh) and the western coast (shared with Pakistan) are classified as "least concerned".
  • Climate Change as a Major Threat:
    • A study found that globally, climate change is the major threat to mangrove ecosystems, affecting 33% of mangroves.
      • It is followed by deforestation, development, pollution, and dam construction.
    • Increased frequency and intensity of cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, and tropical storms are impacting mangroves on certain coastlines.
  • Global Impact:
    • Coasts along the Northwest Atlantic, North Indian Ocean, Red Sea, South China Sea, and Gulf of Aden are predicted to be significantly impacted.
    • Without increased conservation, about 7,065 sq km (5%) more mangroves could be lost, and 23,672 sq km (16%) will be submerged by 2050.

What is the Status of Mangroves Cover in India?

• About:
  • Mangroves are a unique type of coastal ecosystem found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are dense forests of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones, where land meets the sea.
  • These ecosystems are characterised by their ability to withstand harsh conditions, such as saline water, tidal fluctuations, and muddy, oxygen-poor soils.
• Mangrove Cover:
  • About 40% of the world's mangrove cover is found in South East Asia and South Asia.
    • India has about 3% of the total mangrove cover in South Asia.
  • India's mangrove cover has increased by 54 sq km (1.10%) compared to the previous assessment.
  • The current mangrove cover in India is 4,975 sq km, which is 0.15% of the country's total geographical area.
  • West Bengal (42.45%) has the largest share of India's mangrove cover, followed by Gujarat at 23.66% and Andaman & Nicobar Islands at 12.39%.
    • The South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal alone accounts for 41.85% of India's mangrove cover. This region includes the Sundarbans National Park, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world.
  • Gujarat has shown the maximum increase of 37 sq km in mangrove cover.

What are India’s Initiatives Related to Mangroves Conservation?

• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019): This notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, classifies coastal areas including wetlands into four categories. It restricts activities that could damage mangroves, such as:
  • Dumping of waste (industrial or otherwise).
  • Industrial activities within the CRZ.
  • Land reclamation and building in these areas.
• Central Sector Scheme on 'Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs':
  • It provides financial assistance to coastal states and union territories for implementing action plans specific to mangrove conservation.These plans can include surveying, alternative livelihoods for local communities, awareness campaigns, etc.
• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched in the 2023-24 Union Budget, MISHTI is a dedicated initiative for promoting and conserving mangroves. It aims to:
  • Increase mangrove cover along the coastline and on degraded lands.
  • Support sustainable development and protect vulnerable coastal areas.
• Other Relevant Acts:
  • The Indian Forest Act, 1927: States like Maharashtra have designated mangroves on government land as Reserved Forests, granting them legal protection under this act.
  • The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Some mangrove areas are crucial habitats for wildlife and receive protection under this act.
  • Additional laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Maharashtra Tree (Felling) Act, 1972 offer further protection by regulating activities that could pollute or damage these ecosystems.

How Significant is the Mangroves Ecosystem?

• Biodiversity Conservation: Mangroves provide a unique habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, serving as breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for numerous marine and terrestrial organisms.
  • For example, Sundarban hosts the Royal Bengal tiger, Irrawady Dolphin, Rhesus macaque, Leopard cats, Small Indian civet.
• Coastal Protection: Mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis.
  • Their dense root systems and tangled network of prop roots stabilise shorelines and reduce the impact of waves and currents.
  • During hurricanes and cyclones, mangroves can absorb and dissipate a significant amount of energy, protecting inland areas and human settlements from devastating damage.
• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and sediments.
• Fisheries and Livelihoods: Mangroves support fisheries by providing nursery areas for fish and shellfish, enhancing fishery productivity and contributing to livelihood and local food security.
• Water Quality Improvement: Mangroves act as natural filters, trapping and removing pollutants and excess nutrients from coastal waters before they reach the open ocean.
  • Their role in purifying water contributes to the health of marine ecosystems and helps maintain the balance of fragile coastal ecosystems.
• Tourism and Recreation: Mangroves offer recreational opportunities such as eco-tourism, birdwatching, kayaking, and nature-based activities, which can promote sustainable economic growth for local communities.

What are the Challenges Faced by the Mangroves Ecosystem?

• Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation: Mangroves are often cleared for various purposes, including agriculture, urbanisation, aquaculture, and infrastructure development.
  • Such activities lead to the fragmentation and loss of mangrove habitats, disrupting their ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.
  • The conversion of mangroves into shrimp farms and other commercial uses is a significant concern.
• Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat to mangroves.
  • Climate change also brings about extreme weather events, such as cyclones and storms, which can cause severe damage to mangrove forests.
• Pollution and Contamination: Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and improper waste disposal contaminate mangrove habitats.
  • Heavy metals, plastics, and other pollutants adversely affect the flora and fauna of these ecosystems.
• Lack of Integrated Management: Often, mangroves are managed in isolation, without considering their interconnectedness with adjacent ecosystems like coral reefs and seagrass beds.
  • Integrated management approaches that consider the broader coastal ecosystem are necessary for effective conservation.
• Overfishing and Unsustainable Harvesting: Overfishing and unsustainable harvesting of mangrove resources, such as fish, crabs, and timber, can reduce their ecological and economic value.
• Invasive species: Invasive species, such as the non-native red mangrove, can outcompete native species and alter the structure and function of mangrove ecosystems.
• Lack of awareness and protection: Mangroves are often undervalued and lack legal protection, which can make them vulnerable to exploitation and destruction.

What can be Done to Protect Mangrove Ecosystem?

• Cracking Down on Harmful Activities: Implement stricter laws and enhance enforcement to prevent pollution, deforestation, and unsustainable development along the coast.
• Mangrove Adoption Program: Initiate a public-driven program allowing individuals, corporations, and institutions to "adopt" sections of mangroves.
  • Participants would take on the responsibility for the maintenance, protection, and restoration of their adopted areas, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.
• Mangrove Research and Development: Invest in research to explore novel applications of mangroves, such as using them for phytoremediation to clean polluted water or developing new medicines from mangrove plant extracts.
  • This could lead to innovative ways to leverage the unique properties of mangroves for sustainable development.
• Empowering Local Communities: Involve local communities, who often have a deep understanding of mangrove ecosystems, in conservation efforts.
  • Create sustainable livelihood opportunities tied to protecting mangroves, fostering a shared responsibility for their well-being.
• Bio-Restoration Techniques: Utilise bio-restoration techniques to revive degraded mangrove areas, helping to maintain original biodiversity.
  • Ecological restoration can accelerate mangrove recovery compared to natural regeneration.
• Diverse Species in Restoration Efforts: Ensure restoration efforts include a variety of mangrove species rather than monocultures.
  • This approach will create forests that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change.